Talented teens get accolades and support: Sun Messages

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio - We have some gifted artists in our midst. They are capable of discerning composition and honing technical skill. Trial and error - plus a good dose of patience - add to a winning mixture. And winners there are amongst us!

Twenty-four of Brush High School's students currently have their artistic projects on display in the local Scholastic Art and Writing Competition at the Cleveland Institute of Art through Friday, February 2.

This competition, as mentioned in the Sun Messages column of Jan. 12, highlights the hard work of local artists in grades 7 through 12 all across the country with local coordination and sponsorship. The 24 students whose artwork is displayed received one of three honors, Gold Key, Silver Key or Honorable Mention. They were evaluated against 1,800+ students who submitted more than 3,100 pieces of art and writing samples!

Those with top prize are a "Gold Key Winner," and may enter a national competition in New York City.

Lauren Radaker of Brush High received an Honorable Mention from the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition for her unique work, "You Could Always Paint the Roses Red."Courtesy of South Euclid-Lyndhurst Schools

A joyful shout out to all and their teachers, of course! Brush High is at 4875 Glenlyn, part of the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Schools.

Chill out. As I put the finishing touches on this column, there was a thaw. Welcome back, shining sun! Come right in, temperatures over zero! Farewell, subzero wind chill.

Let's be realistic. Soon it will be: Welcome back, inclement weather.

In my imagination, I could pretend it's March, or April, or even May, especially while dawdling a bit, parked outside one of my favorite Hillcrest-area venues with a cup of coffee or a bottle of chilled water. Adding to this powerful effect of getting re-acquainted with sunlight is my new habit of playing "the music of my youth" (1960s) as I prepare for errands, many in our Hillcrest area.

Did you ever encounter the research study about listening to the music of days gone by? As I recall, a simulation was done - of a high school dance with colors, music, clothes and ambience recapturing "the good old days." Then, elders who were ailing were invited - to step back into their own past. It was a bit like Star Trek's holodeck, where fantasies come true. For a while.

The tunes, the talk, the fun all seemed to help some to walk with a lighter step and forget aches and pains of aging. Neuroscientist and educator Janet Zadina also reminds us that good surprises buoy up our spirits.

So if the temperature dives, the snow returns, the icicles re-form, and we find ourselves shivering lumbering - we can look back and forward (like the renowned Janus) with this column's good news.

A greener future? We share one earth, and being mindful of its limited resources and space does take conscious effort. Mark your calendar: An upcoming talk on "Residential Recycling Today" by Don Johnson of the Kimble Transfer and Recycling Facility is planned for 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the Highland Heights Community Center, 5827 Highland Road, Highland Heights. More details to come! For more information, go to highlandhtsgreen.com or call Judy Dearden at 440.646.9820 or email HHGreenTaskForce@yahoo.com

Students exhibiting passion, respect and organization will be eligible for this scholarship and may apply online. Their success in completing higher education will help them become our future community leaders.

The amount has increased from $500 to each student to $750 for each student to help cover rising costs of college tuition and/or books.

"With the loss of Ross Sr. and Carmella last year, we wanted to honor their memory by expanding our scholarship program," said Ross DeJohn Jr., chief executive officer for DeJohn Funeral Homes.

"We know there are many talented young men and women in our community that deserve recognition. Because we want to give back more ways, we are also increased the scholarships awarded to seven students this year instead of five,"

In 2017, the Ross Sr. & Carmella DeJohn Memorial Scholarships were awarded to Stephen Blauch of Chardon High School (attending Ohio State University, Engineering); Garrett Scolos of Kenston High School (attending University of Virginia, Public Health/Pre Med); Marilyn Moyer of Mentor High School (attending University of Findlay, Animal Sciences/Pre Vet Medicine); Courtney Favazzo of Mayfield High School (attending Ohio Northern University, Pharmacy); and Erin Ward of Lake Catholic High School (Westminister College, Biology).

Students may apply for the Ross Sr. & Carmella DeJohn Memorial Scholarship by downloading and completing the online application at DeJohnCares.com/scholarship and submitting it by email or in person at the funeral home, 28890 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, by March 15.

In 1993 the DeJohn family, in tandem with the family-owned funeral home, established the scholarship in honor of Ross (Sr) and Carmella's dedication to education. Ross Sr. served as mayor of Mayfield Heights for over 28 years, often supporting school issues and education initiatives. Over $35,000 in scholarships has been awarded to deserving high school seniors living in Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties.

DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home and Crematory has been supporting Northeast Ohio families for 150 years.

Share! I enjoy writing about good news. Don't let wind or rain or snow or dark of night hold you back. Email mariashinestewart@gmail.com Please put "Sun Messages" in the subject line for quickest response.